Say I love you

02

As I quickly make my way down the stairs to the living room, careful not to make any noise that might wake my mother, I almost tiptoe to open the door for my best friend, feeling the excitement building inside me. As soon as I squeeze the door handle and open it slightly, my gaze meets hers as she crosses the threshold of my house, not wasting a second, rushing towards my bedroom, climbing the stairs at full speed. I follow close behind and discover her frozen in front of the window, a wry smile forming on my face.- It took you two hours to get here, did you really think you'd catch them still snogging?" I teased.She burst out laughing, flopping onto my bed without restraint."Come on, tell me all about it!!!" she exclaimed, impatiently."Well," I begin, sitting down next to her, "I was outside the window when I caught them making out, and if you must know, in my opinion Steward was really very enterprising.She giggles and wiggles her eyebrows: - You mean you'd end up under his sheets?- Of course not, you know exactly who I like... - You mean Jordan? (she rolls her eyes exaggeratedly and continues) Seriously, I think you should talk to him, because this is getting seriously desperate! Get f****d, dammit!As I find myself in this most comical situation, I can't help but let out a nervous laugh while shaking my head disapprovingly. It's incredible to think that this girl, who lets out a stream of vulgarities, is single, and what's more, as pure as a sheet of white paper. In contrast, there's this prudish girl beside her, who seems to be quite reserved. If only I'd known how to save myself for Jordan, I find myself thinking.- But more seriously, what was Renata doing at Steward's? she asks, looking lost in thought. Last I heard, the b***h was dating Cody. My brother won't be happy to hear that his buddy is banging his girlfriend.- They're not dating, Anna, they're just sleeping together. And maybe, just maybe, your brother and Steward have decided to widen their circle of s****l practices.- You're probably right and then... I have to admit that if I were her, I'd f**k Steward. Damn, that guy's hot and sexy!- My God, you talk about this guy like he's a deity. Personally, he's a guy I don't particularly like. He's got that condescending gleam in his eye all the time, like he's superior to everyone else. Even though he and I have never spoken, I can tell you he's a big jerk.She bursts out laughing and throws a pillow at me, letting out her words in a mocking tone: - But you've got to admit, he's pretty damn good-looking and fuckable too.I roll my eyes, disagreeing with her. It's true that he's handsome, I admit, but I don't find him "fuckable" as she says, maybe it's because he doesn't interest me.I don't answer her right away, just let myself fall onto the bed beside her: - "I'm not sure," I begin softly, "but what I am sure of is that I don't like him.She's ready to answer me, but a shrill noise stops her, and both our gazes instinctively go to my window, through which I can see my neighbor's room quite clearly, since his window is open. The bright light and echoes of his party's deafening music invade my space, disturbing the evening's quietude.- What time is it?- 9pm, why?My eyebrows furrow in anger, my fists clenching consecutively.- 9pm? Then why is this asshole having a party at his house?! Besides, last time I checked, this isn't private property! He's got neighbors, his damn music's starting to get on my nerves. He's been throwing these irritating parties for a week now, keeping me awake at night. I'm running out of patience with his lack of consideration for others.- Why didn't you tell me before, girl?- Because I knew you'd get us into his parties, willingly or not. Anyway, that's enough now. That's not the point. I'm tired of pulling all-nighters because of him and his loud music. I didn't sell my sleep to the devil!With an angry step, I start walking towards the exit of my room, closely followed by Anna who looks more excited than angry. My footsteps echo down the corridor, amplifying the intensity of my growing frustration. I rush down the stairs, my heart pounding, determined to finally express what's boiling inside me. Arriving in the living room, I feel a wave of relief mixed with a touch of apprehension. Without wasting any time, I head for the exit door and open it abruptly, letting in a breath of fresh air and freedom.My slippers stomp on the damp grass as I walk angrily towards his house, leaving behind me a trail of tension and unspoken words. Emotions swirl inside me, mixing frustration and incomprehension. Suddenly, Anna's voice echoes behind me, laden with concern and disbelief."Oh s**t, Kimberly , I can't believe you're actually going to do this!"I try not to roll my eyes at her growing excitement, but the tension is palpable in the air. I press the doorbell three times, the shrill sound mingling with the deafening music emanating from his house. I want to make sure they hear me, that they understand the extent of my determination, even over the deafening din.We wait a few moments, the silence heavy between us, before the door opens on my neighbor. His icy emerald eyes immediately pierce me, shooting flashes of contempt at me. His impassive face betrays a disconcerting arrogance as he stares at me from head to toe, as if judging my mere existence. A wry smirk appears on his lips, accentuating his calculated coldness. His head tilts slightly to one side, his sharp gaze finally settling on Anna, creating a palpable tension in the electricity-charged atmosphere."Yes?" he blurts out condescendingly, scrutinizing us without the slightest embarrassment, a wry smile stretching his lips."The music," I announced in a controlled voice, struggling to contain my exasperation at his icy, arrogant attitude, "it bothers me, and I'd like to... how shall I put it? Sleep!"He sneers, running his tongue over his lips, his green eyes staring at me with unhealthy amusement."So what?" he replies nonchalantly, feigning indifference. "I don't see how I could be of any use to you."A nervous laugh escapes my lips as I desperately try to conceal my discomfort at his imposing build and imperturbable attitude.- Could you turn that down? I'd like to take this opportunity to inform you that you have neighbors, and it wouldn't hurt for you to stop bothering us, especially me, since I live right next door to you and my room happens to be across from yours.